It's the law to give cyclists the space to ride safely
We're asking drivers to slow when passing bicycle riders and give:
- at least one metre in speed zones up to 60km/h, and
- at least one and a half metres in zones over 60km/h.
- A person riding a bike is 34 times more likely than vehicle occupants to be seriously injured in a crash.
- You are 4.5 times more likely to be killed in a crash if you’re riding a bicycle.
- In 2019, 11 people died in crashes and each year over 500 people are injured.
- Crashes involving bike riders are most common at intersections, when leaving a path or driveway or when a car door is opened into a rider’s path (dooring).
- Providing a safe distance between your vehicle and a rider can help to reduce crashes.
Ways you can help keep bike riders safe
You can avoid a crash with a bike rider by:
- Giving space: leave sufficient distance between your vehicle and the bike rider when passing. Provide at least one metre in speed zones up to 60km/h, and at least one and a half metres in zones over 60km/h.
- Slow down: drive within the speed limit and slow down until it’s safe to pass.
- Check your blindspots: take your time to check for riders especially at intersections and when turning left or right.
- Look left: Check to your left before parking your vehicle for riders in your blindspot.
- Look right: Check over your shoulder before opening your car door to make sure no bike riders are coming past. This will protect the rider from the risk of dooring.
How to improve your safety as a bike rider
- Follow the law by always wearing a bicycle helmet, it reduces your risk of head injuries in a crash by up to 60%.
- Wear closed footwear to protect your feet.
- Ensure you have both front and back lights switched on while riding at night. Lights can also increase visibility during the day.
- Make yourself visible by wearing reflective or light-coloured clothing, especially at night.
- Use bike lanes or bicycle paths where available.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions.
- Supervise young children using wheeled toys and bikes, and always ensure they wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Encourage friends and family to use their left hand while opening the driver's side door. This ensures people turn and check for oncoming people on bikes before leaving their vehicle.
Laws for bicycle riders and drivers
Minimum passing distance laws are now in place in Victoria. If you're driving or riding a motorcycle you will be required to provide 1m passing distance to bicycle riders in speed zones up to 60km/h and 1.5 metres in speed zones in excess of 60km/h.
Something as simple as giving riders space can make all the difference in ensuring we can all get home safely.
Why has this law been introduced?
People riding bicycles are among our most vulnerable road users. In a bicycle crash you're more likely seriously injured or killed than if you were in a vehicle. While passing incidents are not among the leading causes of cyclist road trauma, a person on a bike can be vulnerable in a passing scenario. For a cyclist, it is threatening to have a vehicle traveling at 60km/h or more approaching unseen from behind. A vehicle’s larger mass and speed can act like a wave of pressure, threatening to destabilise a rider.
Road deaths reduced across all user groups in 2020, except for people riding bicycles. There were 13 bicycle riders killed on our roads in 2020.
Does it apply to motorcyclists, truck and bus drivers?
Yes, if you're riding a motorcycle, driving a truck or bus the rule will apply to you too. This means when you're on a with speed limits of 60km/h and below, you need to give 1m passing distance. If you're on a road that has a speed limit over 60km/h you will need to provide 1.5 metres passing distance.
A bus or truck driver may need to provide greater distance than the minimum in order to keep riders safe.
Can I cross double lines when I'm passing?
Yes, drivers and motorcycle riders will be allowed to briefly cross the centreline including solid lines and double lines, solid lane lines, and painted islands when overtaking a bicycle rider, but only when they have a clear view ahead and it’s safe to do so.
This rule has been implemented successfully interstate and we’ve worked with our key stakeholders and our road safety partners to ensure this law can be safely implemented in Victoria.
What are the penalties?
Those that do not comply with the rule will receive a maximum court penalty of 10 penalty units ($1,652) or an on-the-spot infringement penalty of 2 penalty units ($330). Improper overtaking or passing offence incurs 2 demerit points. This is the same as current penalties for overtaking a vehicle without leaving a sufficient distance.
Further information on penalties is available on the VicRoads website
Do I have to give space to someone in a bicycle lane?
Yes, you still need to provide space if someone is riding in a bicycle lane. Riders will sometimes ride closer to the edge of the lane in order to keep out of the way of opening car doors.
Can people still ride two abreast?
Yes, bicycle riders will still legally be allowed to ride two abreast. It's often the safest option as it improves visibility to drivers and keeps riders safe from hazards on the edge of the road. Riders should consider traffic behind them and move to single file if there's a queue of traffic or if it'll make it easier to pass.
Do bicycle riders need to give vehicles space too?
No, this is because vehicle occupants are not at risk of injury if a bicycle passes too closely. When someone riding a bicycle is passing they should be mindful of how much space they are leaving between themselves and other vehicles, particularly when lane filtering, but this rule applies to motorised vehicles, not bicycle riders. A rider should always wait behind a vehicle if it's indicating to turn, and not wait alongside the vehicle.
Will this put drivers at risk?
No, this road rule is about sharing the road safely. It's a common sense approach, if it's not safe to overtake, slow down, be patient and wait until there's a clear view ahead and it's safe to pass. You might have to wait a couple of seconds, but it's unlikely to impact how long it takes you to get somewhere. Giving space however could save a life.
What are the rules for people riding bicycles?
- A person riding a bike is required to follow the same road rules as other vehicles.
- People riding bicycles are allowed to ride two abreast, as long as they are no more than 1.5 metres from each other. Bicycle riders can only be three abreast when overtaking.
- When you're riding you must ride as near as you can to the far left side of the road where this is safe and practical, you are allowed to ride within the lane if there is no bicycle lane present on the road.
- Bikes riders are allowed to ride on most roads in Victoria, in bus lanes and on shared paths. They’re not allowed on urban freeways, freeways or other roads with a sign showing that bikes aren’t allowed. When bikes are not permitted, there are signs on the entrance ramps of those sections of freeway indicating ‘No Bicycles beyond this point on this freeway except with authority.’
- If you're riding a bicycle and approach a vehicle which is turning left you must not overtake on the left hand side. Let the vehicle turn prior to continuing.
- On a road with only one lane travelling in your direction you need to stay as far left as it is safe to do so.
- If you’re on a road with two or more lanes you can ride on the left or down the centre of a lane and use the right-hand lane to do a right turn.
- Hook turns are legal at any intersection and encouraged for all right hand turns.
- Make sure your bike is fitted with lights, especially for riding at night or in bad weather. A white light needs to be fitted to the front and a red light on the back.
- You are permitted to ride on a footpath if you are under 13 years old, accompanying someone under 13, or an adult with a child seat on your bicycle. You may also ride a bicycle on a footpath if you have a medical certificate that states you have a disability that makes it difficult to ride on the road.
More information in regards to rules and regulations can be found on the VicRoads website.
- A person riding a bike is 34 times more likely than vehicle occupants to be seriously injured in a crash.
- You are 4.5 times more likely to be killed in a crash if you’re riding a bicycle.
- In 2019, 11 people died in crashes and each year over 500 people are injured.
- Crashes involving bike riders are most common at intersections, when leaving a path or driveway or when a car door is opened into a rider’s path (dooring).
- Providing a safe distance between your vehicle and a rider can help to reduce crashes.
Ways you can help keep bike riders safe
You can avoid a crash with a bike rider by:
- Giving space: leave sufficient distance between your vehicle and the bike rider when passing. Provide at least one metre in speed zones up to 60km/h, and at least one and a half metres in zones over 60km/h.
- Slow down: drive within the speed limit and slow down until it’s safe to pass.
- Check your blindspots: take your time to check for riders especially at intersections and when turning left or right.
- Look left: Check to your left before parking your vehicle for riders in your blindspot.
- Look right: Check over your shoulder before opening your car door to make sure no bike riders are coming past. This will protect the rider from the risk of dooring.
How to improve your safety as a bike rider
- Follow the law by always wearing a bicycle helmet, it reduces your risk of head injuries in a crash by up to 60%.
- Wear closed footwear to protect your feet.
- Ensure you have both front and back lights switched on while riding at night. Lights can also increase visibility during the day.
- Make yourself visible by wearing reflective or light-coloured clothing, especially at night.
- Use bike lanes or bicycle paths where available.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions.
- Supervise young children using wheeled toys and bikes, and always ensure they wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Encourage friends and family to use their left hand while opening the driver's side door. This ensures people turn and check for oncoming people on bikes before leaving their vehicle.
Laws for bicycle riders and drivers
Minimum passing distance laws are now in place in Victoria. If you're driving or riding a motorcycle you will be required to provide 1m passing distance to bicycle riders in speed zones up to 60km/h and 1.5 metres in speed zones in excess of 60km/h.
Something as simple as giving riders space can make all the difference in ensuring we can all get home safely.
Why has this law been introduced?
People riding bicycles are among our most vulnerable road users. In a bicycle crash you're more likely seriously injured or killed than if you were in a vehicle. While passing incidents are not among the leading causes of cyclist road trauma, a person on a bike can be vulnerable in a passing scenario. For a cyclist, it is threatening to have a vehicle traveling at 60km/h or more approaching unseen from behind. A vehicle’s larger mass and speed can act like a wave of pressure, threatening to destabilise a rider.
Road deaths reduced across all user groups in 2020, except for people riding bicycles. There were 13 bicycle riders killed on our roads in 2020.
Does it apply to motorcyclists, truck and bus drivers?
Yes, if you're riding a motorcycle, driving a truck or bus the rule will apply to you too. This means when you're on a with speed limits of 60km/h and below, you need to give 1m passing distance. If you're on a road that has a speed limit over 60km/h you will need to provide 1.5 metres passing distance.
A bus or truck driver may need to provide greater distance than the minimum in order to keep riders safe.
Can I cross double lines when I'm passing?
Yes, drivers and motorcycle riders will be allowed to briefly cross the centreline including solid lines and double lines, solid lane lines, and painted islands when overtaking a bicycle rider, but only when they have a clear view ahead and it’s safe to do so.
This rule has been implemented successfully interstate and we’ve worked with our key stakeholders and our road safety partners to ensure this law can be safely implemented in Victoria.
What are the penalties?
Those that do not comply with the rule will receive a maximum court penalty of 10 penalty units ($1,652) or an on-the-spot infringement penalty of 2 penalty units ($330). Improper overtaking or passing offence incurs 2 demerit points. This is the same as current penalties for overtaking a vehicle without leaving a sufficient distance.
Further information on penalties is available on the VicRoads website
Do I have to give space to someone in a bicycle lane?
Yes, you still need to provide space if someone is riding in a bicycle lane. Riders will sometimes ride closer to the edge of the lane in order to keep out of the way of opening car doors.
Can people still ride two abreast?
Yes, bicycle riders will still legally be allowed to ride two abreast. It's often the safest option as it improves visibility to drivers and keeps riders safe from hazards on the edge of the road. Riders should consider traffic behind them and move to single file if there's a queue of traffic or if it'll make it easier to pass.
Do bicycle riders need to give vehicles space too?
No, this is because vehicle occupants are not at risk of injury if a bicycle passes too closely. When someone riding a bicycle is passing they should be mindful of how much space they are leaving between themselves and other vehicles, particularly when lane filtering, but this rule applies to motorised vehicles, not bicycle riders. A rider should always wait behind a vehicle if it's indicating to turn, and not wait alongside the vehicle.
Will this put drivers at risk?
No, this road rule is about sharing the road safely. It's a common sense approach, if it's not safe to overtake, slow down, be patient and wait until there's a clear view ahead and it's safe to pass. You might have to wait a couple of seconds, but it's unlikely to impact how long it takes you to get somewhere. Giving space however could save a life.
What are the rules for people riding bicycles?
- A person riding a bike is required to follow the same road rules as other vehicles.
- People riding bicycles are allowed to ride two abreast, as long as they are no more than 1.5 metres from each other. Bicycle riders can only be three abreast when overtaking.
- When you're riding you must ride as near as you can to the far left side of the road where this is safe and practical, you are allowed to ride within the lane if there is no bicycle lane present on the road.
- Bikes riders are allowed to ride on most roads in Victoria, in bus lanes and on shared paths. They’re not allowed on urban freeways, freeways or other roads with a sign showing that bikes aren’t allowed. When bikes are not permitted, there are signs on the entrance ramps of those sections of freeway indicating ‘No Bicycles beyond this point on this freeway except with authority.’
- If you're riding a bicycle and approach a vehicle which is turning left you must not overtake on the left hand side. Let the vehicle turn prior to continuing.
- On a road with only one lane travelling in your direction you need to stay as far left as it is safe to do so.
- If you’re on a road with two or more lanes you can ride on the left or down the centre of a lane and use the right-hand lane to do a right turn.
- Hook turns are legal at any intersection and encouraged for all right hand turns.
- Make sure your bike is fitted with lights, especially for riding at night or in bad weather. A white light needs to be fitted to the front and a red light on the back.
- You are permitted to ride on a footpath if you are under 13 years old, accompanying someone under 13, or an adult with a child seat on your bicycle. You may also ride a bicycle on a footpath if you have a medical certificate that states you have a disability that makes it difficult to ride on the road.
More information in regards to rules and regulations can be found on the VicRoads website.